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  • drunkenninja
    +9

    There is actually a number things you should pay attention to when looking for a house, not all of these are in regards to the house as well. Here are some general things to watch out for:

    1. Check to make sure it hasn't been used as a grow-op / meth lab. Get someone to investigate the home to check for structural issues, and other hidden problems that may otherwise be missed / not mentioned by the home owner or the real-estate agent.
    2. Water pressure is a big one, it effects simple things like watering the lawn, washing the car, taking a shower, etc.
    3. Inspect the build quality and roof, leaks suck and having to replace the roof is a decent sized investment ranging from 13,000 all the way up to 50,000. Also, note that houses with more complex roof designs have much higher re-roofing costs.
    4. Don't get a house with a swimming pool unless you're 100% sure you will take care of it. Remember it's expensive to maintain, and has to be done year round. Many people list swimming pools as an asset when selling a house, but trust me, unless you're a water baby, it's a lot of work and extra cost (heating, chemicals, maintenance, repairs costs)
    5. Always check all zoning documentation, if it has a basement be sure to double check if the land is right for it, the last thing you want to be stuck with is a leaky basement with thousands of dollars of repair costs.
    6. Never just settle on the asking price, be sure to find an agent that will fight for your price. Agents make money on commission and the work required to earn it. Lazy agents will push you to buy at a higher price because its less work for them and higher commission. The agent on the sellers side does the same thing, they will always attempt to do the minimal work necessary to earn their commission, so don't be a sucker, make them work for their money. If you need to look at 20 houses before you are 100% sure, look at 20 houses, you don't own them anything. Be sure to do your homework on the agent you do choose however, there are some really bad apples out there.

    Ok, thats what I could come up with off the top of my head. Hope it helps.

    • imnotgoats
      +5

      I think our simultaneous lists actually compliment each other quite well. :)